Life cycle: Both species are annuals that reproduce by seed. Plants are common in nurseries, landscapes, agricultural fields, and disturbed sites. Rosettes form throughout early spring and summer. Flowers emerge in mid- to late summer.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the two most common species. Many features are similar. They are most easily distinguished when observed at the same time. Their differences are primarily the relative degree of pubescense on each.

C. setosa - Bristly hawksbeard

C. capillaris - Smooth hawksbeard

Rosettes grow up to 16 inches in diameter. Foliage is deeply lobed near the leaf base, and deltoid in shape near the leaf tip.

On the basis of habit alone, plants are virtually identical. Two of the three plants above are C. capillaris and one is C. setosa. I forget which is which, the point is, they are very similar.

Stems are relatively smooth compared to those of C. setosa. Some pubescense can be observed on close examination.

Cauline leaves clasp the stem, are deltoid in shape, and lobed near the base.

Flower buds and stems are slightly pubescent, but far less than those of C. setosa.

Flower heads are yellow ray flowers. Heads are about 1 inch in diameter.